THE looming Origin period is shaping as a testing one for St George Illawarra, but it could have a positive short-term effect ahead of the Dragons clash with Penrith on Saturday.
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The match at Panthers Stadium will be a top-of-the-table clash with both sides notching wins over the weekend. With several players from both sides in line for NSW call-ups, it's shaping as an Origin seletion shoot-out.
"We know what we've got coming," coach Paul McGregor said.
"I don't know how many but next week we play another quality team [in Penrith] the week before the [NSW] team gets picked.
"So I'm sure all the players in my shed will be really keen to go out there and play at their best next week in front of what will be a good crowd, in front of the selectors and Freddie, and to give themselves every opportunity to make that Blues jumper.
"One would think Benny [Hunt] is a shoo-in for Queensland, but we'll worry about Origin when it comes up.”